Exercise regime launched in Wales

26/01/2008

A scheme giving patients throughout Wales the opportunity to exercise
their way to good health has been launched by First Minister Rhodri
Morgan. The 'Exercise Referral Scheme'  enables GPs and other health
professionals to refer patients at risk of chronic disease to a
structured exercise programme that will help them to improve their
health.

 

The exercise programme will last for 16 weeks, enabling patients with
conditions such as heart disease to train with a fully qualified
exercise professional, who will provide advice and support on becoming
more active. All participants will be monitored for a year with
progress checks made by the exercise professionals at four weeks,
sixteen weeks, eight months and twelve months.

 

Rhodri Morgan said: “My own heart scare last summer led me to make
significant changes to my diet and lifestyle so I know from my own
experience the benefits of healthy eating and taking regular exercise.
Even with my busy schedule, I try to find the time for a walk including
two or three steep hills most days and I’m feeling so much better for
it.

 

“With the launch of this scheme, patients across Wales will be able to
access exercise classes run by specially qualified instructors, who
will teach them all the skills they need to make exercise a regular
part of their lifestyles. I am confident it will bring them many
long-term benefits in terms of their health and well-being. As I have
discovered, small changes can make a big difference to your life for
the better.”

 

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Jewell said: “We have been working hard
to launch this scheme, which is an important, constructive step to
encourage people with chronic illnesses to make exercise an essential
part of everyday life. Health Challenge Wales, the national focus for
action to improve health and well-being, highlights that people can
make simple but effective changes to their lifestyle, in terms of diet
and exercise, and make a big difference to their health.”

 

The Welsh Assembly Government is investing more than £11.5 million to
support the scheme which will be available in Swansea, Neath and Port
Talbot, Blaenau Gwent, Conwy, Cardiff, Bridgend, Torfaen, Ceredigion
and the Vale of Glamorgan. It will then be rolled out to the rest of
Wales later in 2008.

 

The scheme is available in parts of England as well:  check on your
local authority website to see if it is run in your locality.